Process for producing metal complexed dye developers

Abstract

A novel process which comprises the step of reacting a metal complexed dye of the formula: ##STR1## WITH A CYCLIZED COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA: ##STR2## to form a metal complexed dye developer which is represented by the formula ##STR3## where A is a phenyl radical or a substituted phenyl radical; B is a phenyl or nitrogen containing heterocyclic radical or substituted derivatives of these radicals; R is N or CH, Y is a silver halide developing substituent; each n is 0 or 1; X is oxygen or an oxygen containing substituent; Me is a metal complexing atom; L represents a molecule(s) that can satisfy the coordination sphere of the Me atom and each R 2 can be hydrogen or any substituent which will not interfere with the functionality of the complexed cyclized compound as a silver halide developing agent. The process generally comprises mixing the reactants in a suitable solubilizing medium and heating the solution. The reaction product can be precipitated by the addition of acid to the reaction medium.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for reacting a metal complexed dye of the formula: ##STR16## with a cyclized compound of the formula: ##STR17## to provide a metal complexed compound of the formula: ##STR18## where A is a phenyl radical; B is a phenyl radical or a nitrogen containing heterocyclic radical; R is N or CH, Y is a silver halide developing substituent; each n is 0 or 1; X is oxygen or an oxygen containing substituent; Me is a metal complexing atom; L represents a molecule(s) that can satisfy the coordination sphere of the Me atom and each R 2  can be hydrogen or any substituent which will not interfere with the functionality of the complexed cyclized compound as a silver halide developing agent which comprises dissolving the reactants in a solubilizing medium and heating the solution. 
     
     
       2. A process for reacting a metal complexed dye of the formula: ##STR19## with a cyclized compound of the formula: ##STR20## to provide a metal complexed compound of the formula: ##STR21## where A is a phenyl radical; B is a phenyl radical or a nitrogen containing heterocyclic radical; R is N or CH; X is oxygen or an oxygen containing substituent; Me is a metal complexing atom and L represents a molecule(s) that can satisfy the coordination sphere of the Me atom which comprises dissolving the reactants in a solubilizing medium and heating the solution. 
     
     
       3. A process of claim 2 where R is N and X is oxygen or ##STR22## or -alkyl--O--. 
     
     
       4. A process of claim 2 where R is CH and X is oxygen. 
     
     
       5. A process of claim 2 where Me is chromium. 
     
     
       6. A process of claim 2 where said metal complexed dye is of the formula: ##STR23## 
     
     
       7. A process of claim 2 wherein said metal complexed dye is of the formula: ##STR24## 
     
     
       8. A process of claim 2 where said metal complexed dye is of the formula: ##STR25## 
     
     
       9. A process of claim 2 where said metal complexed dye is of the formula: ##STR26## 
     
     
       10. The process as defined in claim 2 and further including the step of precipitating said metal complexed compound by adding a mineral acid to the solution. 
     
     
       11. The process as defined in claim 2 wherein said solution is heated to a temperature in the range of from about 50° C. to about 120° C. 
     
     
       12. The process as defined in claim 11 wherein said solution is heated to a temperature in the range of from about 70° C. to about 120° C.